Florida's average for regular unleaded gasoline is $3.56 -- 14 cents higher than a week ago.

Nationally, the price of gas rose 16 cent in the last week.

"I used to have a truck," said motorist Jose Matos. "I had to downsize to a four-cylinder just to get anywhere."

In Orlando, gasoline is $3.50 a gallon compared to $3.34 a week ago, while in Daytona Beach, gasoline rose 13 cents in the past week.

Mireya Perez said she has to pick up children and she has to work.

"I have to pay it. There's nothing we can do about it," said Perez.

Many are wondering why the price keeps increasing.

"The No. 1 factor is oil refineries are in the process of switching from the winter blend to the summer blend," said AAA spokeswoman Vanessa Jones. "The summer blend is a more expensive blend, therefore consumers are spending more at the pump."

Also, the price of oil has risen to close to $100 a barrel.

Experts said there is increased economic optimism both domestically and abroad.

"When the euro is higher than the dollar, then investors tend to buy oil as a commodity and of course increasing the value of oil and the price of oil, therefore consumers are paying more at the pump," said Jones.

What is everyone around town paying for a gallon of unleaded gasoline?

Orange County - $3.52 a gallon

Volusia County - $3.59 a gallon

Brevard County - $3.49 a gallon

Osceola County - $3.49 a gallon

Seminole County - $3.52 a gallon

AAA said gas prices will continue to inch up from one to five cents in coming weeks and is not expected to level off until mid-April.